KANSAS CITY -- How bad did it get for the Royals on Saturday night?
Backup catcher Andrew Butera was called upon to get the final out of the ninth inning after Brandon Maurer (five runs in two-thirds of an inning) could not in a 15-4 loss to the Red Sox at Kauffman Stadium.
Butera walked three and gave up two hits and two runs before inducing a lineout by Jackie Bradley Jr. to end the inning. It was the sixth career outing for Butera, who came into the game with a 4.50 ERA.
Butera jokingly was asked if he felt like he was "up in the zone."
"I felt like I was all over the zone tonight," Butera said. "I just couldn't find it tonight. Just par for the course for us tonight."
Somewhat surprisingly, Red Sox hitters were especially patient against Butera, drawing three walks and making him throw 24 pitches.
"I was more surprised that [Mitch Moreland] swung [and singled] at the first pitch I threw," Butera said. "I guess if I saw someone just laying it up there, I'd swing, too. But I think that's the first time I've ever had someone swing at the first pitch off me."